Police in Murphy respond to gun threat at The Learning Center

The following news release has been issued by Town of Murphy Police Department. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Follow up to story – 10:15 pm Friday, March 7, 2014:

From Town of Murphy Police Chief Justin Jacobs: “Mrs. Kilpatrick was charged with Misdemeanor Child Abuse from me this afternoon regarding The Learning Center Incident. She is currently in the Cherokee County Detention Center under another name, Malissa Bezemer, on a $10,000.00 secure bond.”

Malissa Rari Bezemer

Original press release – Friday, March 7, 2014:

On March 6th, 2014, at 9:58 am, the Murphy Police Department received a call from the staff at The Learning Center, located at 945 Conaheeta St., Murphy, regarding a male juvenile that had threatened his mother with a gun. Assistant Chief Dustin Smith, Patrol Officer Samuel Allen and Chief Justin Jacobs responded to the school. Upon arrival, it was found that the weapon was inside the mother’s vehicle in the parking area. Officers then located the mother, her son and a teacher speaking in the classroom. After a security assessment of the incident, it was determined that the incident had happened at their residence, not on school grounds.

The mother of the child, Mrs. Malissa Kilpatrick, was later charged with bringing a weapon on school grounds and was released on a $5000.00 unsecured bond. Due to quick action that the staff at The Learning Center took, no other child’s welfare was in jeopardy. Chief Jacobs wishes to commend all of The Learning Center staff for their response.

The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, the Cherokee County Department of Social Services and the Cherokee County Juvenile Court Counselor assisted with this call.

Given the ongoing investigation regarding the juvenile in this matter, no other details are being released at this time

Due to some questions and concerns on WKRK’s Facebook, Murphy Police Department wishes to clarify:

1. The mother did not have a valid concealed weapons permit as set forth by the NCGS regarding firearms on school/educational property.

2. The weapons involved were long guns (rifles/shotguns) not handguns, and they were not secured accordingly as set forth by the NCGS.

Chief Jacobs did follow up on this story: A total of 15 guns were found inside the vehicle which was located on school property. The guns were unsecured. Chief Jacobs tells WKRK that the son was left alone in the car with them. The situation escalated to an uncomfortable level. MaryJo Dyre from The Learning Center wants to let all parents know this is an incident that spilled over onto the campus and wants to assure parents that students were safe during this incident and are safe today thanks to the quick response to all those who responded.

Located across from new casino site in Murphy, NC

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